The mission of the ACC Foundation

Published: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 02:54 PM.

We so appreciate the coverage of the ACC Foundation in the paper on Oct. 17. In an effort to help clarify the information presented, I would like to provide a few more data points:

■Nearly 900 individuals, businesses and organizations made gifts to the ACC Foundation last year.

■Last year more than $890,000 was donated to benefit ACC students. This includes endowed and non-cash donations.

■Nearly 650 students benefited from financial aid and scholarships provided by the ACC Foundation.

■The ACC Foundation spent $189,715 from its endowed funds in 2012-2013 and took in $167,541 in endowment gifts.

■The endowment return for the year ended June 30, 2013 was 15.3 percent. This compares to a benchmark return of 12.9 percent.

■In total, the Foundation spent $557,579 on scholarships and other forms of financial aid for students. In addition, $113,185 was spent on specific educational program support (equipment, supplies, training, etc.).

We so appreciate the coverage of the ACC Foundation in the paper on Oct. 17. In an effort to help clarify the information presented, I would like to provide a few more data points:

■Nearly 900 individuals, businesses and organizations made gifts to the ACC Foundation last year.

■Last year more than $890,000 was donated to benefit ACC students. This includes endowed and non-cash donations.

■Nearly 650 students benefited from financial aid and scholarships provided by the ACC Foundation.

■The ACC Foundation spent $189,715 from its endowed funds in 2012-2013 and took in $167,541 in endowment gifts.

■The endowment return for the year ended June 30, 2013 was 15.3 percent. This compares to a benchmark return of 12.9 percent.

■In total, the Foundation spent $557,579 on scholarships and other forms of financial aid for students. In addition, $113,185 was spent on specific educational program support (equipment, supplies, training, etc.).

As we contemplate current events and the many seminal changes taking place around the globe, and those that have shaped our world over the past century, we can look around and recognize many advances. Yet we all continue to strive to improve our conditions and the ways in which we experience our world, endeavoring to make it a better place for our families and for others who share our space in this community. We all struggle with the common question “How can I make a difference?”

The Alamance Community College Foundation is a community collective of individuals, businesses, and groups who have sought to engage this question and have given generously to making an education possible for many students who otherwise wouldn’t have the resources to make their dream of personal learning and development possible. Whether getting a degree, a certificate, GED or general professional and personal development is the goal, ACC Foundation donors make the dream possible for hundreds of students every year. We are truly fortunate to live in a community with such a generous spirit. And the students who benefit will have the opportunity through their learning and experiences to engage the notion that “I will make a difference!”

Thank you to Alamance County and the surrounding area for your continued support. We look forward to a new year of invigorated leadership with the selection of Dr. Algie Gatewood to succeed Dr. Martin Nadelman, who served in a dedicated manner for 14 years. These are truly exciting times, and we are ever grateful for continued support.